Sizer for interactive computer system configuration

Abstract

A computer system is implemented according to the invention when an computer process interactively allows a user to configure a computer system. The device according to the present invention abstracts functionality common to all application specific computer configuration problems and locates it in a single framework. In this way, multiple application specific configuration processes can be developed easily without duplicating the work of creating common features.

Description

1. Field of the InventionThe present invention relates generally to a computer configuration device and, more particularly, to a tool for enabling a user to determine an optimal computer configuration depending upon the user's specific applications.2. Description of the Related ArtThe original computers were very complex devices that required skilled technicians and scientists to operate. When a new device, such as a printer, was added to the computer, special software and hardware needed to be developed specifically for the new device. With the advent of personal computers, it became impractical to require users to develop new software and hardware whenever new hardware was added.Computer components eventually became standardized, and one of the important pieces of the puzzle was the Disk Operating System, or DOS. Originally DOS only supported a small number of devices such as printers, floppy drives, and hard disk drives. In addition, DOS was severely limited in the number of diff...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

A framework can support registration of sizers on the fly, allowing them to provide their credentials, authenticate their identity, and register in the framework's sizer registry. The framework provides front end-user interface management services like navigation, report generation, as well as middle level services like hardware configuration and constrint management. In addition, the framework provides back end services like data persistence. In short, the framework abstracts common sizer functionality and allows for creating a product sizer with minimal effort.

More specifically, the framework preferably supports a plug and play architecture, in essence allowing individual sizers to be plugged into the framework easily. The framework allows sizers to be dynamically attached to the framework through a "registration" mechanism. To add a sizer to the framework, a "Open file" like dialog is presented and selecting a sizer effectively sends a request to the framework for registration. To accomplish this the framework requests identification and resource requirements from the individual sizers, and the sizers provide the relevant information. The framework fills its main panel of information about the sizers characteristics by issuing a series of queries, in effect making calls to known entry points in the sizers' dynamic linked libraries (DLL).

Problems solved by technology

The original computers were very complex devices that required skilled technicians and scientists to operate.

With the advent of personal computers, it became impractical to require users to develop new software and hardware whenever new hardware was added.

In addition, DOS was severely limited in the number of different computer configurations and components such as memory and peripherals that could be supported.

Large amounts of RAM and static storage, however, cost proportionally more money.

As a result, there is usually a tradeoff between price and performance.

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